Levels
Qualification Levels Explained
Confused by all the numbers and codes? Don’t worry – we’ll help you understand what they all mean.
All our courses are assigned a level, starting at entry level, all the way up to level 7. Here’s a complete list of the levels explained, so you know exactly what qualifications you need to study your course
Anyone can study at entry level, whatever grades you have. As long as you have a genuine interest in the course and a desire to increase your skills in the subject, go for it!
If you want to increase your skills in a particular area, a level 1 course is for you. It will let you build on what you’ve already learnt and work your way up.
To step it up a gear and study level 2 courses, you’ll need some knowledge or experience of the subject and one of the following to get you started:
- four GCSEs at grade 3-1 (D-F)including English and maths
- a BTEC foundation diploma in a related subject
- an NVQ level 1/technical certificate in a related subject
- equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.
Our level 3 courses cover more in-depth skills and you’ll require one of the following to push yourself beyond your limits:
- four or five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), including English and maths
- a BTEC first diploma in a related subject
- an NVQ level 2/technical certificate in a related subject
- successful completion of an Apprenticeship programme
- equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.
You’ll probably have a lot of experience in your subject if you want to take yourself to the next level. To study a level 4, 5, 6 or 7 course means you need one of the following:
- 60-120 UCAS tariff points
- a BTEC national award in a related subject
- an NVQ level 3 in a related subject
- equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.